The art of purposeful living

Pursuit Press September Issue | Transition

As summer comes to a close and we ease back into life as usual, we will be addressing the theme of transition and all of the awkward phases that it generally brings. Whether it's the transitional wardrobe or the shifting gears from vacay mode back to school or work mode, we are here to ensure that point A to point B is as smooth as possible.

16 Places to Travel to Relive Your Favorite Fiction

Getting lost in a book or wrapped up in a movie can make you feel a distinct sense of reality—as if you are within the pages or on the other side of the screen, living in tangent with a world of characters that you come to know and love. But when that book closes or the credits roll, we are forced to reconcile with our own non-fiction sans the poetic narratives we have to break up with in order to proceed with life as usual.

It is a force of magic, mentally travel to an otherworldly place, to be able to walk the footsteps of our favorite literary and cinematic heroes and heroines, so if you need one last good trip before we transition from vacation season, here is a list of landmarks to better transport to the fictional backdrops, to turn those fantasies into fact.

Tender is the night

The final novel from F. Scott Fitzgerald tells the story about a couple, an affair and mental illness, set in the South of France. The themes draw parallels to Fitzgerald’s own current circumstance with his wife Zelda, who had then been hospitalized for schizophrenia.

The French Riviera

The French Rivera is the playground of the rich and famous, a luxe chain of breezy towns carved along the coastline of the Mediterranean.

The Sun Also Rises

Ernest Hemingway’s novel about Parisian-based British and Americans who take a trip to the Running of the Bulls Festival in Pamplona Spain. The story based on real people and real events from his own life.

Pamplona

Pamplona still holds the annual tradition each year so you too can try Hemingway’s shoes on for size.

The Alchemist

The Alchemist is a classic story of quite the scenic quest to enlightenment, with destinations such as Tarifa, Spain, Tangier, Morcocco, the Sahara Desert and the Egyptian pyramids.

Tarifa, Spain

Tarifa is the southernmost part of Spain. The whitewashed beach town is just a ferry ride away from Morocco.

Love in the Time of Cholera

This story of the persistence of forbidden love is set in Colombia, likely in the city of Cartagena according to descriptions of the colorful town.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is a vibrant colonial city that is so full of history and charm that you could fill your itinerary with simply walking through the colorful streets.

The Fault in Our Stars

A heartbreaking love story that whisks two teenagers of similar circumstance on the journey of a lifetime to discover the ending to a beloved novel by a reclusive author in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam has some of the most distinct European architecture, best taken in through a bike ride along their charming canals.

P.S. I Love You

This tear jerking love story starts in the green fields of Wicklow, Ireland.

Wicklow, Ireland

Dublin is the obvious starting point for your trip to Ireland, but just off the beaten path is Wicklow, a mountainous area full of these lush, rolling landscapes.

Ferris Beueller’s Day Off

This classic Americana film follows truant teen, Ferris Bueller and a list of iconic Chicago landmarks.

Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City is rich with culture and landmarks, and a notoriously fitting destination for traveling foodies.

Thelma & Louise

Two friends embark upon the ultimate road trip after their two-day vacation plans are interrupted with a crime that sends them on the run. Their journey ends at the Grand Canyon becoming one of the most iconic scenes in American film.

The Grand Canyon

One of the most unique landscapes in the world, the Grand Canyon is a geological destination of literal epic proportions.

Forrest Gump

This feel-good all-American classic covers a lot of ground, taking us from coast to coast, all from an epic story told from a bus stop bench in Savannah Georgia.

Savannah

Savannah is one of those enchanting places that will have you swooning at the turn of each corner.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

A series of letters form the compelling historic novel based in wartime France.

Guernsey

Guernsey is an island off of Normandy in the English Channel, serving up a warm dish of history with a side of beach town bliss.

Casablanca

The magic of Morocco sets the perfect backdrop to one of Hollywood’s most timeless romantic classics.

Casablanca

Moroccan architecture is so intricate and magical, making it a destination that will truly take your breath away.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Perhaps the archetype of the New York socialite, the Upper East Side sets the perfect backdrop for the free spirited Holly Golightly.

New York City / Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is full of some of Manhattan’s best. For those of us who aspire to be Holly Golightly, try hailing a cab from 169 East 71st St., NY, NY, and head on down to Tiffany’s off of 5th Ave., darling.

Chocolat

The love story centered around the magic of chocolate is set in a village in Burgundy, France

Flavigny, France

Flevigny, seemingly untouched by time, is a beautiful medieval town in Burgundy, France.

The Great Gatsby

One of my favorite tragedies of all time, this story set in Roaring 20s New York is my favorite fantasy to relive.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is the favorite beachside getaway of the New York urbanites, a vacation best accessorized with a beachside mansion, a mint julep, and grand parties thrown simply for the attention of your crush.

Clueless

Cher Horowitz was the quintessential 90s teenager, whose sage Beverly Hills wisdom and high-tech closet served as the standard for American adolescence.

Beverly Hills

Sometimes all a trip needs is a little retail therapy. Empty your luggage and fill it up along the way.

Pride & Prejudice

At the top of the romantic travel bucket list, is the most classic of all classic love stories about Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, set in Derbyshire, England.